A FOOTBALL club issued an extraordinary statement last night threatening legal action against any member of its staff who leaked its chairman's private business dealings.

The warning came as speculation was mounting that a takeover of Darlington Football Club was only days away.

Chairman Stewart Davies was not present at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena on Saturday to see the team beat Chester. It is believed he is abroad.

The businessman claimed sole control of the club after former chairman George Reynolds instigated administration proceedings in December 2003.

Since then, Mr Davies has improved the image of the club and made the 25,000-seat stadium generate more income by increasing its use on non-match days. However, his efforts to raise the gate have failed.

It is understood that the club is losing substantial amounts of money, and for several weeks speculation has been mounting that Mr Davies is trying to sell the club.

The Northern Echo understands that there have been meetings about a possible takeover.

Mr Davies's official position is that he does not comment on speculation. However, he has refused to commit himself to the club beyond the end of the season.

Last night, his spokesman said: "Stewart Davies conducts business negotiations on a routine basis. Those that involve Darlington Football Club are as confidential as the rest. No official of the club who leaks to the media has the interest of the club at heart.

"The chairman will not hesitate to take legal action against any official who breaches confidences and will pursue them for damages if necessary."

There is speculation that Mr Davies is days from signing a deal with another businessman.

But the details of the sale are unknown